There have been significant changes within the NHS app, enabling users to have
their medical records all in one place under a “patient passport”. This means that
GPS, hospitals and ambulance service’s can access patient’s records all in one
place which will allow treatment to be given accordingly and accurately at a much
faster rate. The Government believes that this will significantly reduce patients
receiving the wrong medication and reduce the need for as many medical tests. The
app also allows patients to book appointments, GP and hospital and to allow re-
ordering of prescriptions. The app had an increase of usage during the peak of the
COVID-19 pandemic as people were anxious to leave their homes and as the app
was used as an NHS COVID pass. 30 million people had downloaded the app by
September 2022, as COVID started to become more manageable in the UK. The
app is free to download by anyone over the age of 13. It is curious to see how the
NHS is using technology more to advance their services and we shall tune in to see
what next steps they will take.
